18.6.17

NDLEA seize N225 trillion cocaine, heroin at Lagos ports

Chairman
of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Muhammad Mustapha
Abdallah said the Agency has seized over 15,064kg of cocaine and heroin
worth 225 trillion naira at the Tin-Can and Apapa Ports.
Abdallah said drug barons often target the ports for illicit drug
activities, but the agency will resist their scheming. The drugs
include; 14,813.40kg of cocaine and 251.22kg of heroin.
According to the NDLEA boss, “the seaports are high risk drug
trafficking locations because of the movement of large volume of
consignments. Official record of drug seizures at the ports underscores
the volatility of the ports in drug trafficking. Since 2006, the Agency
has seized over 15,064kg of cocaine and heroin at the Lagos ports.

“The country cannot afford to condone this criminal trade because
such huge proceeds in the hands of drugs cartels is threatening. We
shall continue to screen incoming and outgoing vessels, thereby making
the ports impregnable to drug trafficking organisations.”
Abdallah added that the presence of the NDLEA at the ports is of
immense economic and security benefit to the country and that the Agency
will maintain alertness and frustrate any action targeted at disrupting
her operations at the seaports.
Some of the spectacular drug seizures made at the ports include 14.2
metric tons of cocaine imported from Chile and intercepted in June 2006
at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos. The drug, which was concealed in a
shipment of white cement was rated the single largest seizure of cocaine
in Africa and fifth largest in the world.
The NDLEA boss called on port operators to collaborate and support
the Agency in ensuring zero tolerance for drug trafficking at the ports.